WTTC says that the sector also supported more than 3.2 million jobs
With tourism receipts of over TRY 3.11 trillion (USD 96.3 billion) to the economy in 2023, Türkiye’s travel and tourism sector broke all records last year to reach new milestones across four key metrics.
According to the Economic Impact Research (EIR) 2024 by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), last year’s tourism receipts accounted for 12 pc of total GDP. This is a significant increase of almost 30 pc from the previous peak in 2019.
WTTC says that the sector also supported more than 3.2 million jobs, representing one in 10 jobs across the country and more than 18 pc above the 2019 high point.
It adds that international and domestic visitor spending also exceeded their previous records, reaching TRY 1.68 trillion and TRY 761.3 billion respectively.
WTTC says that international visitor spending has surpassed its 2019 record by almost 36 pc and domestic visitor spending broke its previous record, from 2018, by almost 24 pc.
The sector is forecast to continue breaking records in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach almost 12.5 pc of the country’s economy, says study by WTTC.
It goes on to say that jobs supported by travel and tourism are projected to surpass 3.3 million and spend from international and domestic visitors is also anticipated to set new records.
According to WTTC’s latest research, spending from international visitors could reach more than TRY 1.7 trillion next year, and spending from domestic visitors could reach almost TRY 799 billion.
Julia Simpson
The EIR also says that in an effort to continue growing its crucial travel and tourism sector, Türkiye’s government is considering introducing nomad visas, aimed at expanding its potential for longer stays and in turn increasing visitor spending.
“As the world’s fifth most popular destination, travel and tourism in Türkiye is more than just a sector, it is an integral part of the nation’s economy, fuelling growth, investment, and new jobs. We congratulate the national government’s efforts to place travel and tourism at the heart of decision-making, recognising its critical role in the country’s economy,” says Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.
WTTC says that the outlook for the next 10 years forecasts a decade of growth. By 2034, the sector is expected to contribute more than TRY 4 trillion to the economy annually, whilst jobs are projected to reach almost 3.75 million.
